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On Monday June 13, 2016 the City of Winter Haven Commission presented a proclamation recognizing June 13 - 19, 2016 LGBTQ Pride Week in Winter Haven. While this was already on the schedule prior to the tragic events in Orlando on June 12, it carries an even more significant purpose now. We are proud to live in a diverse community and represent business owners of all cultures, races, creeds, genders and sexual orientations.

Official Proclamation Below:

WHEREAS, the City of Winter Haven, Florida, is part of a global community in which people of diverse cultures, races, creeds, genders and sexual identities must work together toward peace and understanding; and

WHEREAS, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ( LGBT) residents, students, city employees and business owners within the City of Winter Haven contribute to this vibrant, innovative, culturally-inclusive, world-class community and to its diversity; and

WHEREAS, various advancements have been made with respect to equal rights and protections for all people including the LGBT community throughout the State of Florida and the United States; and

WHEREAS, members of the LGBT communities still face ongoing discrimination based on their status, resulting in immeasurable human tragedy, loss of life, community isolation and abuse; and

WHEREAS, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays ( PFLAG) of Polk County envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; and

WHEREAS, the Lakeland Youth Alliance provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their straight allies in Polk County; and

WHEREAS, to celebrate the richness and diversity of PFLAG of Polk County and the Lakeland Youth Alliance, along with various community organizations, businesses and individuals will conduct various cultural, educational and entertainment activities June 13- 19, 2016, to focus attention on the importance of acceptance and respect for diversity among us.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bradley Dantzler, Mayor of the City of Winter Haven, Florida, do hereby proclaim the week of June 13- 19, 2016, as

LGBTQ PRIDE WEEK

in the City of Winter Haven in honor of freedom from prejudice and bias in any form, and in recognition and praise of those members of our community who constantly fight the battle for equal treatment for all citizens regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, color,creed, ethnic origin or religion.